GARDAÍ from the Roads Policing Unit in Kerry carried out a number of checkpoints in the Dingle area ‘As Gaeilge’ last week.

Garda O’Brien and Garda Grennan translated the Garda operational order into Irish with the aim of promoting Gaeilge and offering a policing service in Irish.

The operation last Thursday was a local initiative and proved very successful, with the vast majority of the public conversing with Gardaí in Irish.

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During the course of the checkpoints Gardaí made minor detections under the Road Traffic Act which were dealt with by way of caution.

Speaking at Castleisland Garda Station today, Inspector Anthony Sugrue said; “The focus of this operation was to set up mandatory intoxicant checkpoints in ‘An Gaeltacht’ surrounding areas whilst conversing with the community in Irish. We have had three deaths on our roads in Kerry this year and I would urge the public to drive safe. Keep within the speed limits and driver to the condition of the road. Most importantly, never ever drink and drive”.

Inspector Sugrue added; “In the run up to the August Bank Holiday Weekend, we would ask motorcyclists to ‘Bike Safe’ during this high risk time for riders. We would also appeal to drivers to watch out for motorcyclists by looking more than once to make sure there are no motorcyclists in their blind spots”.